France’s military influence in Africa is waning as its troops have withdrawn from Chad and other ex-colonies, aligning with a broader trend of nations reclaiming sovereignty from their former colonial ruler. Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, all led by military juntas, started the trend, with Senegal, Chad, and Ivory Coast following suit. The withdrawal of French troops from these nations was further necessitated by growing anti-French sentiments, which resulted in protests against France’s alleged interference in these nations’ sovereignty. Despite the retreat of its armed forces, Paris retains significant soft power through cultural and economic channels. The French language, widely spoken across the continent, along with longstanding economic ties and the CFA currency, continues to influence daily life in many African countries. Recognizing the growing anti-French sentiment, President Macron’s administration has initiated a new Africa strategy that will reduce its visible military presence while reinforcing economic and cultural connections.
Source: Aljazeera